The Queen Song That Almost Wasn’t – Inside the Tense Studio Showdown Between Freddie and Brian

Queen’s 1979 anthem “Don’t Stop Me Now” is now considered one of the band’s most iconic tracks, thanks to its infectious energy and Freddie Mercury’s powerhouse vocals. However, the track almost never reached its full potential, particularly in the instrumental department. Behind the scenes, a tense clash between band members Freddie Mercury and Brian May nearly prevented one of the most memorable guitar solos in rock history.

Brian May recently opened up about the creative conflict that nearly kept his iconic guitar riff from appearing on the track. At the time of recording, Mercury, who had a clear vision for the song, insisted that it should be “a piano song,” in the style of Elton John. He envisioned a heavy piano-driven arrangement that allowed his vocal power to shine, leaving little room for May’s contribution.

“Freddie saw it very much as a piano song, a la Elton John, really. Powerhouse piano, powerhouse vocal, and that’s it,” May recalls. “So I played lots of rhythm guitar on it, and Freddie still said, ‘No, no, no, no – it’s a piano song!’ That was a bit disappointing.”

Despite May’s frustration, Mercury ultimately conceded that the track did need something extra to elevate it. “Well, it does need a solo. I need you to take over the vocal,” he told May, giving him the green light to contribute his signature guitar work. The result was nothing short of legendary.

May admitted that he “sort of heard the solo in my head before I actually picked up the guitar to do it.” Describing the solo as “a kind of little diversion” and a “counter melody,” May also revealed that, while proud of the final outcome, he still feels “a bit apologetic about it.” Nevertheless, the solo injects a burst of electricity into the already high-energy track, becoming as iconic as the song itself.

“Don’t Stop Me Now” was released as a single on January 26, 1979, as part of Queen’s Jazz album. Despite its undeniable popularity today, the single only reached number 9 on the UK charts and a modest number 86 in the US. However, the track’s success wasn’t confined to the charts. Over time, “Don’t Stop Me Now” gained a second life, featured in hit films like Shaun of the Dead and making appearances in numerous TV shows and commercials.

The song has been covered by artists like McFly, Darren Criss, and The Vamps, further cementing its place in pop culture. And while it wasn’t an instant chart-topper in its early days, today, “Don’t Stop Me Now” remains a global classic that continues to captivate audiences, thanks to both Freddie Mercury’s indomitable spirit and Brian May’s unforgettable guitar solo – a musical moment that almost never happened.